[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RETIREMENT OF WALTER G. WARGACKI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
outstanding achievements of Walter G. Wargacki--the great Mayor of 
Wallington, NJ--who celebrated his retirement on April 1, 2016.
  Walter Gerald Wargacki, Jr. was born on April 26, 1938, to Walter 
John Wargacki and Mary Dancsisin Wargacki. His service to the public 
began as early as 1965 when he joined the Wallington Fire Department, 
Park Roe Hose Company #3. He eventually was promoted to the rank of 
Fire Chief in 1986 for his outstanding service in the line of duty.
  Yet, his service to the public was not limited to emergency services. 
In the same year he joined the Wallington Fire Department, he was also 
elected to the Wallington Board of Education where he eventually served 
as Board President for three terms. During his tenure, he led the way 
in evaluating accreditation for the Township's high school system. 
Furthermore, he planned the renovation and replacement of the century-
old Lincoln School. Mr. Wargacki's dedication to this task was no less 
exemplary than his outstanding service as a fire fighter.
  Upon completion of his tenure as Fire Chief and as a member of the 
Board of Education, Mr. Wargacki served proudly as the Mayor of 
Wallington for over 24 years. Through his hard work and dedication, he 
improved the Township of Wallington both aesthetically and communally. 
For instance, he oversaw the construction of new parks and recreation 
areas such as Liberty Crossing Park and Centennial Field. Undoubtedly, 
these and other initiatives helped create the welcoming environment for 
families that Wallington is known for today.
  Furthermore, he designated a newly constructed facility for the 
Wallington Emergency Squad--a testament to his years of service and 
dedication to emergency services. Indeed, under his leadership, the 
Township of Wallington has been in extraordinarily capable hands, and 
his leave from office will not go unnoticed amongst members of the 
community.
  I have the great honor of representing the residents of Wallington in 
Congress and it gives me great pride to recognize one of their native 
sons who has spent his life serving the public. I can say with personal 
knowledge that Walt is not only a good leader, but also a good friend--
the kind who can be counted on both in good times and in bad times.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the 
achievements of public servants such as Mayor Walter G. Wargacki of 
Wallington.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, denizens of 
Wallington, family and friends, all those whose lives he has touched, 
and me, in recognizing the work of Mayor Walter G. Wargacki.

                          ____________________